April is a busy month. The semester is winding down, which means all professors and TAs are cramming in as many assignments and exams as possible before finals week rolls around. However, one benefit of crunch time is that professors start to offer extra credit tips and opportunities! My advice is to take advantage of absolutely every extra point you can, because a slow accumulation of points over time can really end up making a huge difference in a final grade.

It's easy to blow off extra credit points when school gets busy with graded homework or your friends are begging you to go out on the weekend, but try to complete everything possible. Extra credit points have saved my grade in Calculus this semester! I've forced myself to go to reviews and complete optional worksheets, even though I would rather be doing ANYTHING but calculus. Professors appreciate the extra effort and showing that you care about their class.

Also, don't underestimate the power of a professor's office hours. These are times that professors stay in their offices waiting for students to come in with questions. Take advantage of times like these because often professors give major hints about tests, projects, and homework. Plus, again, it shows you're really committed to their class! Moral of the story: don't let opportunities for extra credit escape you—even if you've been doing well so far—because you might regret missing out when that majorly intense final exam hits your desk.